FAQ

1) What do I need to start learning with Ad_Lib English?

In simplest terms you need: a computer and a good quality broadband (8Mb or more), a headset (headphones and a microphone) and a Skype account. If you don’t have a Skype account you can get it for free and within minutes here

For more information please see our technical specifications page.

2) I’m not entirely convinced about learning English online. Isn’t it a bit like learning on the telephone?

Learning English with Ad_Lib English is nothing like lessons over a telephone. You will not only be able to hear your tutor, but you will also see him/her via WebCam and, if you also have a WebCam, your tutor will be able to see you.

But that’s not all. You will be invited to our ‘virtual classroom’ – an online collaboration programme which will allow you and your tutor to view and edit all the materials in real time. Our online classroom also has mp3 player and video facilities to make your lessons even more exciting.

3) What if the quality of the connection is poor and I can’t hear the tutor properly?

If your computer and broadband meets the technical specifications, such situation shouldn’t really take place.

If it does however happen, we are able to switch over to a bridging number for conducting high definition conference calls of up to 10 people. The bridging number guarantees excellent quality of sound during the lesson.

4) Do I need to have a WebCam?

No, you don’t. The tutor will have a WebCam and you will be able to see him/her throughout the lesson. It is much nicer though if both you and your tutor can see each other so if you have a WebCam, we suggest you use it. It can really help communication.

If you’ve booked pronunciation classes, it is necessary that you use your WebCam. The tutor will need to see your lips to correct you effectively.

5) What time can I have lessons?

Our clients come from various countries and various time zones. When you sign up we will ask you to tell us your time zone and several possible times when you are able to have lessons. We might not always be able to arrange a lesson at the time chosen by the student but we will always do out best.

6) How many lessons do I need to book?

The number of lesson you book is entirely up to you. We suggest you try our services first by booking a trial lesson at a 60% discount price.

After that, you may wish to book lessons individually at an ad hoc basis, or take advantage of one of our package deals. Please go to the section about tuition fees for more details.

7) When can I start learning?

When you book a lesson, we will try to arrange for it to take place as soon as we can. Usually no later than four days from the date of the booking.

8) Will I need a course book?

For general English classes, conversation, pronunciation or standard business English classes you will not need any additional resources. We will provide all the materials.

9) Will I have access to my materials after the lesson?

All the materials covered during the lesson will be uploaded to your account within 24 hours from the lesson. You will find them on ‘My English’ tab.

10) I am not able to attend a previously scheduled lesson. Can I get a refund?

We usually don’t offer any refunds on the lessons already purchased. If you let us know that you can’t attend the lesson at least 24 hours before the lesson is due, we will be able to re-schedule the lesson so that it is convenient for you.

If you give us less than 24 hours notice or you just don’t turn up for the lesson, the lesson is lost.

11) What happens if I’m late for the lesson?

If your 60 minute lesson was due to start at 9am and you turn up 15 minutes late, the lesson will still finish as scheduled (at 10am) and will only last 45 minutes.

12) What happens if my internet connection fails at the beginning of the lesson and we can’t continue?

It is you responsibility to make sure that your computer, your internet and your headset work before the lesson. If the lesson cannot take place because of problems at your end – you lose the lesson. Your tutor might agree to re-schedule the lesson but he/she is not obliged to do it.